The North Annapurna Base Camp trek (also known as the Annapurna North Face Trail or Maurice Herzog Route) is one of the fun adventures of Nepal. This is also called the Maurice Herzog trail, which was discovered in 2019. It has a full history, which was the French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. In 1950, they summited Annapurna I and became the first people to climb the mountain. And there is an interesting story about how they ended up discovering a North Face trail. So, the story is that they had a plan to climb Mt. Dhaulagiri, but because they found it really challenging, they changed their route and headed north on June 3. Then they found a new route to Annapurna on the North face.
This is a unique adventure that will not only take you to the stunning landscapes of green lush hills, snowy peaks, glaciers, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural history and traditions but also make you witness the utmost level of remoteness, where you will find the sacred wilderness, the purely untouched beauty of Annapurna. Maurice Herzog’s expedition route for 12 days will offer you the real immersive experience of Nepal adventure trekking in the rich tapestry of culture of the Gurungs, Thakalis, and other groups. This trek is way less crowded, giving you the opportunity to witness the beauty where the history was made in the mountains.
Highlights for North Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Historic Maurice Herzog Trail – Follow in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers as you traverse the same North Face route discovered in 2019, retracing Maurice Herzog's groundbreaking 1950 expedition that made history.
- Spectacular Peak Views – Stand in awe as you witness breathtaking panoramic vistas of towering giants, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Baraha Shikhar, Tilicho Peak, and the majestic Nilgiri range stretching endlessly before you.
- Pristine Wilderness & Wildlife – Immerse yourself in untouched nature as you trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests, keeping your eyes peeled for elusive musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and if you're incredibly lucky, the legendary snow leopards.
- Scenic Water Features – Refresh your spirit at the cascading Narchyang and Futfute Waterfalls, discover the serene Pancha Kunda (Narchyang Lake) nestled at 4,050 m, and feel the thrill as you cross swaying suspension bridges over the rushing Mistri and Hum Khola rivers.
- Cultural Immersion – Connect with the warm-hearted people of Gurung and Magar villages, join in celebrating vibrant local festivals, savor traditional yak cheese, and find peace during meaningful monastery visits that touch your soul.
- Tent Camping Adventure – Experience the magic of sleeping under a blanket of stars at community-run camps, complete with cozy temporary shelters, convenient toilet tents, and all the camping gear you need for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
- Trail Diversity – Challenge yourself as you traverse diverse landscapes from rolling meadows and ancient glacial terraces to dramatic high ridges and peaceful river valleys, culminating in the spiritual crossing of the sacred Panchakunda Lake area.
Trail Overview (Day Highlights)
- Kathmandu → Pokhara → Tatopani/Narchyang – Start your adventure with a scenic drive (or flight) to Pokhara, then make your way to Narchyang Village where you'll get your first taste of local life with the welcoming Pun Magar community.
- Upper Narchyang → Chhotepa (2,369 m) – Today, you'll find yourself following the Mistri Khola gorge, crossing thrilling suspension bridges as you walk through beautiful oak-fir forests that seem to stretch endlessly around you.
- Chhotepa → Sandhikharka (3,165 m) – Things get exciting as you climb into high-altitude terrain where breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri will leave you speechless and reaching for your camera.
- Sandhikharka → North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190 m) – This is where the magic happens! You'll pass through the sacred Bhusket Mela area, witness cascading glaciers in all their glory, and hear the thunderous roar of the dense Futfute Waterfall.
- North ABC → Panchakunda → Sandhikharka – After soaking in those incredible summit viewpoints, you'll visit the mystical Pancha Kunda Lake before beginning your descent back through those amazing glacier valleys you've come to love.
- Sandhikharka → Thulo Bugin → Lete – Your journey continues across scenic ridges and peaceful yak pastures where you'll catch those final, unforgettable glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks.
- Return via Pokhara → Kathmandu – Cap off this incredible adventure with a relaxing drive back through the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world – the perfect way to reflect on all the amazing memories you've just created.
Related Resource:
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Detailed Itinerary
Cultural & Natural Experiences in North Annapurna
Cultural Highlights: You can get to visit the traditional villages like Gurung villages. These settlements have remained the same for centuries. So, if you are lucky enough, you can also enjoy their local festivals during this Nepal adventure trek. Additionally, the monasteries will be an insightful visit for you. You can get to know the Buddhist monks a bit more and their wisdom that they share.
About the local cuisine, you cannot miss it. Dal Bhat is what you will get almost everywhere, but Yak Cheese and traditional brewing will be your treat too. Furthermore, you can go to the handicraft workshops and learn their traditional weaving and see the metalwork techniques done by local artisans.
Natural Wonders: The Trek will offer you a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. You will get to see the rhododendron forests blooming around, alpine meadows, dramatic glaciers, and other rare botanical species in such rare highltitude areas. You may also encounter Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Griffons, and Snow Leopards. The geographical features, such as ancient rock formations, glaciers, and mountain lakes such as Narchyang Lake, will make you wonder along the trek. One of the stunning nights of Nepal adventure trekking, you can witness by just stargazing at the clearest night skies at such a high altitude.
Trek Preparation & Training Guide
Physical Fitness Requirements: You need to practice walking daily for 6 to 8 hours on multiple days a week. Also, you need to train yourself for the strength part, and you can do several exercises such as squats, planks, etc, to enhance your leg strength and core. You need to go on hikes carrying a backpack for this Nepal adventure trek. Moreover, you will require previous experience in high altitude, and for that, we recommend that you have it above 3,000m. Most importantly, you should start preparing at least 4 to 6 months before you embark on the Trek.
Gear & Equipment: We will provide you with all the camping equipment for this Nepal adventure trek, including the cooking facilities and safety gear, so you don’t need to worry. You can also get high-quality gear in rental shops in Kathmandu. But for a personal packing list, you can follow the guidelines below:
Base Layers (for warmth & moisture control)
- 2 to 3 moisture-wicking T-shirts (merino or synthetic)
- 2 thermal tops & bottoms (for colder nights)
Mid Layers
- 1 fleece or light down jacket
- 1 insulated jacket (synthetic one, for eg, North Face)
Outer Layers
- Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex)
- Waterproof pants
- Windproof jacket and pants
- Quick-dry hiking shorts (for spring/summer)
Others
- Warm gloves
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Warm beanie or wool hat
- Sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter
- Sleeping bag (for -10°C to -20°C)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Lightweight travel pillow
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (eg, Salomon)
- 2–3 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks (merino recommended)
- 1 pair of thick thermal socks (for cold nights)
- Camp shoes (e.g., Crocs)
Toiletries
- Quick-dry towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush/paste
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
First aid kit
- Personal medications
- Diamox (for altitude sickness)
- Antiseptic cream
- Bandages
- Water purification tablets
- Water filter bottle
Miscellaneous
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Reusable water bottles (2L capacity)
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Power bank
- Lightweight daypack (25 to 35L)
If you are trekking to North Annapurna Base Camp during Spring and Autumn, focus on packing clothes that you can add or remove easily. For Winter, you must go for the thermal layers, warm gloves, and a sleeping bag rated for at least -15°C or colder. You should pack waterproof, windproof clothes that are quick to dry for the Monsoon.
Health & Safety Preparation: You must do a health check-up and get prepared with altitude sickness awareness before the Trek. Additionally, you should get comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical facilities, high-altitude trekking, and helicopter evacuation. The vaccination is not mandatory, but you can get vaccinations such as Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B etc. For emergencies, our guides carry satellite phones to stay connected in the areas where cell phones don’t work, and they are well-trained with emergency responses like first aid.
Best Season & Weather Guide for the North Annapurna Base Camp trek
Spring Season (March-May):
Spring is one of the optimal seasons for the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek because you will get clear skies and moderate temperatures. Also, you will see the rhododendrons blooming, which will make your journey so beautiful.
Spring will offer you the best visibility and warmer conditions. Moreover, you can find active wildlife during this season. But, you need to consider the potential rain in the afternoon and that the trails may be a bit crowded.
Autumn Season (September-November):
Autumn is the best season for the Trek. You will find the crystal clear views with stable weather. The temperatures are also comfortable.
If you choose this season, you will get the best and perfect visibility to enjoy the sightseeing of the region. Plus, you will enjoy it more because there is just a minimal chance of rain, making it an ideal choice for photography. The things you need to consider are that, being a popular season, the trails may be hella crowded. So, you need to book really early.
Winter Season (December-February):
Of course, being Winter, you cannot get away with cold. But also, the snow at higher elevations will make it challenging for you.
There are some good things about this season for Nepal adventure trekking, and that is you can have a solitary experience, the snow scenery looks beautiful, making it a unique experience for you. But you are required to have good mountaineering skills, and just know that the availability may be limited.
Monsoon Season (June-August):
We actually don’t recommend Monsoon because of the heavy rainfall, leading to slippery, muddy, and difficult trails. There is a high chance of a landslide, and a lot of leeches will come to find you. You will find poor visibility this season. So, this season is good for the expert ones who have proper preparation.
Why Book With Us?
- Himalayan Hero Adventures has been a family-owned business for three generations now. We have more than 45 years of experience in Himalayan trekking.
- The interesting thing is that our guides are born and raised in the Annapurna region. So, they have deep knowledge about the culture, history, and routes of the region.
- We have good relationships with local villages.
- We have been actively participating in maintaining the trails and protecting the ecology of the region.
- We can assure you that our guides have certificates in wilderness first aid and high-altitude rescue
- We are very cautious about the camping gear maintenance. So, we replace them annually and inspect them before the expedition for your safety.
- We make sure that we are offering needed attention with very little impact on the environment. So, for this, we go with a maximum of 12 trekkers.
- We provide you with a support team for 24/7, including satellite communication and helicopter evacuation insurance.
- We will provide you with training before the trek through acclimatization hikes around the Kathmandu valley.
- We can also provide you with a culturally immersive experience by taking you to the homes and traditional ceremonies privately.
- We can guide you with photography and drone professionally.
- We can provide you with the service of gear cleaning, assist you with souvenir shopping, and offer other cultural tours.
Pricing & Package Options: Your North Annapurna Base Camp Adventure
Himalayan Hero Adventures keeps things simple and honest with each Nepal adventure trek. We believe in fair and upfront pricing with due respect to your trust and budget. We offer four types of packages, including the customized one. Each package includes all the details so that you can choose the best one that goes well with your preferences.
Standard package:
This package is for you if you want a smooth and no-fuss journey. If you choose this package, you will get 16 16-day guided trekking. This package will provide you with accommodation, guides, permits, and everyday meals too. This will cost you 2,299 USD per person, and the group size ranges from 8 to 12 people.
Premium package:
This package will provide you with even more ease with everything that you will get in the standard package. You will get 16 days of guided trekking for this package too. Apart from everything that you will get in the standard package, you will also get a private guide and gear rental. This package is ideal for medium-sized groups of 4 to 8 people. You will pay 2,899 USD per person.
Luxury package:
If you want the best in everything during the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek, then this package is for you. This package will offer you to choice of helicopter and photography services, as well as the services that you will get in the premium package. This package will provide you with 18 days of guided trekking. You will be paying 3,899 USD per person. So, this may be a bit costly for you.
Custom package:
If you want a flexible itinerary, then we can help you with that. You will have everything for a Nepal adventure trek according to your choices. We will customize the number of days according to your preferences. So, this is suitable for typically 1 to 4 people as a group size. You will pay based on your customized plan. Whether you want a more adventurous or slower trekking experience, everything will be according to your wishes. You will get a fully customized but also personal experience.
Getting to Nepal - Essential Information by Region
For US Travelers:
You will get your tourist visa after you arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport. You just need to provide your passport and a passport-sized photo, and make sure that it has a validity of six months. You can get different options for a visa, like for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days. For flights, you can directly reach Kathmandu through Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Apart from this, you can also go with the options of connected routes such as Dubai and Doha.
If you want the best deals with optimal pricing, then we recommend that you book 2 to 3 months in advance. This will be your smart move. For the time zone information, know that Nepal is 12 hours and 45 minutes ahead of EST.
For UK Travelers:
You will get your visa at the airport in Kathmandu after your arrival. The visa process is the same, so you don’t need to apply for a visa before your arrival. You can choose the most convenient way to reach Kathmandu, which is Emirates via Dubai, and Qatar Airways via Doha.
You will need travel insurance that covers all your trekking, medical emergencies, and unexpected costs because your European Health cards are not valid in Nepal. If you want the best exchange rates for your British Pounds, then do it in Kathmandu rather than in the UK.
For Australian Travelers:
You will require a tourist visa. So, we recommend that you apply for the visa online. You can get it easily. For the smooth flights, go for Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways via Bangkok. These two are the most popular.
You don’t need to do special vaccinations, but we recommend that you to consult a doctor for any vaccination that you may require, as you will be trekking in the rural areas. Most importantly, know that Nepal’s seasons are the reverse of Australia’s. So, for you, the best time for the Trek will be Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
For Chinese Travelers:
You can get your visa easily through the Nepal embassy/consulate for the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can directly arrive in Kathmandu from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
If you are travelling in a group, then let us know, as you will require special permits. We can arrange that for you, and also, if you want Mandarin-speaking guides, then we can make them available.
For Indian Travelers:
If you are an Indian national, then you don’t require a visa for Nepal. But you need to show your passport or an election ID card, which should be valid. These will be accepted for your entry. You can get numerous direct flights, but you can also reach Nepal overland through multiple borders.
For Nepal Residents:
If you are able to verify your nationality being Nepali through your citizenship, then you can get the domestic pricing. You can do immense cultural exchange, and visiting villages is even more amazing during this Nepal adventure trek.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you cannot let it pass by. You will get to immerse yourself in the beauty of rhododendrons, untouched wilderness with the rocky formations, and the cultural beauty of the indigenous communities. This is such an exclusive experience that only the brave hearts can accomplish. Maurice Herzog's expedition route leads you to the remote beauty of Annapurna. So, don’t delay and book your adventure today with Himalayan Hero Adventures.
Just know that there are limited departures, with only 12 scheduled departures per year. Plus, the groups have 12 trekkers. Besides, you can save 200 USD if you book 6 months in advance, and the weather is also not suitable every month. You can book your adventure directly with us, pay a deposit to secure your spot, and receive an instant email confirmation with the necessary materials to prepare.
You will receive a full refund for this Nepal adventure trek if it is cancelled due to operational issues on our part. Even if you want to transfer to other future dates, you can get it done with minimal fees. And, don’t worry, you will get certified guides, high-quality safety equipment, and we can show you our safety records as well.
Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +9779801127073.
🌐 Website: himalayanhero.com
